Make Or Break Year For Vikings

This is the season Vikings fans have been waiting for since the historic heartbreak season of 1998 when Gary Anderson broke his perfect season record and missed a 38 yard field goal, thus sending the Atlanta Falcons to the Superbowl and handing over the title of NFC Champions. Not since that season has this Minnesota team had this amount of anticipation and excitement.

During the offseason the Vikings finally reeled in the quarterback they’ve been eyeing for two years now. After being denied a trade by the Texans in 2008, management completed a deal to bring Sage Rosenfels to Minnesota. Sage was brought in to battle Brad Childress’ hand-picked future quarterback, “Tarvaris Jackson.” Jackson struggled the past three seasons after learning on the run and being thrown in as starting quarterback his rookie season. Tarvaris has been pulled throughout his short career in favor of witty veterans such as Gus Frerotte and Brad Johnson. So far in camp, neither Sage nor Tarvaris has stood out to coaches. In fact, the coaches still aren’t certain which will start the first preseason game against Indianapolis. And let us not forget about the Favre drama that ensued this past week. It’s anyone’s guess how long Favre's arm will last this season. Favre is a political and financial move for this franchise. The distraction may proove too strong for this team. He needs to step in and do his job without causing an extensive circus. 

The Vikings may have one of the best tag-team running backs in football. Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor have worked the past two seasons together without any issues. Chester seems content with taking a seat more often in favor for the younger and more athletic Peterson. On third down situations and short screen passes, Chester is clearly the more dominant of the two. Now, if we add the Vikings #1 draft pick Percy Harvin into the mix the running back situation is looking heavenly. The coaches have committed to utilizing Harvin in a variety of different formations, including the Wildcat. They also want to see what Harvin can do returning punts and kicks and thus far in camp he has been improving daily. Harvin could be the key to this team finally getting over the “hump” they have been stuck on for so long now.

The wide receiver situation is sticky and uncertain in my mind. Harvin will have to prove he can be a NFL threat and possesses solid hands. Sidney Rice needs to use his size more efficiently in the end zone. Bernard Berrian will have another 1,000 yard season, barring injury. Last year’s 7^th round pick, Jaymar Johnson has been making a name for himself in camp this year. Who knows, maybe this young kid will step up and help a unit that seems to get more pieces to the puzzle every off-season.

Phil Loadholt is another bookend to put on the right side of the line, opposite of another huge man… Bryant McKinnie.

On the defensive side, cornerback Antoine Winfield is much happier now that his contract has been extended through 2014. Winfield has been a shutdown corner since his arrival in 2004. This pro-bowler is making the way for the young Cedric Griffin and Asher Allen. The rookie Allen is competing with bad boy Marcus McCauley who was benched half-way through last season.

The famous defensive line consists of Jared Allen, Ray Edwards, Pat and Kevin Williams. The Williams Wall has just been approved to play this season after testing positive for a banned substance during last season. These guys are the heart of the Vikings defense and combined for 29 sacks and 212 tackles. Oh and by the way… three of them went to the pro bowl.

After spending 3 years with the Vikings and calling Minnesota home, Darren Sharper’s contract wasn’t renewed by the Vikings. Management decided to go a different direction with 2^nd year player Tyrell Johnson and veteran Madieu Williams. Williams started the 2008 season on the sidelines with a neck injury. Johnson filled in for him and had trouble keeping up with the pace of the professionals. I’m hoping Johnson picks up the pace this season, otherwise I see this as being the biggest problem area on the team. I’d like to see management pick up a veteran safety as a just in case.

EJ Henderson will return as middle linebacker this season after missing a majority of last season with a foot injury. In 2006 he registered 110 tackles and in 2007 he had 118. Henderson is in the prime of his career and will anchor the middle well this year. The Vikings really missed his presence against all-star running backs last season.

The biggest x factors are Sage Rosenfels’ performance, Percy Harvin’s presence, the safeties skills and as always… the injury factor. If Sage can provide a reliable arm with little interceptions, Adrian, Percy and Bernard should be able to do the rest. The defense is at its best and continues to improve. However, as each season goes by the defense continues to get older. Unlike the past, you may see a new version of Brad Childress this season. Childress has a contract extension looming in front of him and I can see him really reaching out to obtain it. This season may be desperation, obviously since he tried to reel in Favre. I’m expecting a little more variety than the quick shovel passes and straight up the middle runs. My prediction: 11-5.